Prime Minister Taro Aso is hosting a gathering of experts to explore fresh ideas to revive the economy, aiming to reflect their opinions in additional steps currently being considered by the ruling coalition.
The 83 experts will divide into groups and take part in 10 rounds of intensive discussions through Saturday on themes that include the environment, social security and jobs.
The kickoff meeting Monday in the prime minister's office was attended by Aso, Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura, Finance Minister Kaoru Yosano and Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Toshihiro Nikai, as well as eight experts, including Richard Koo, chief economist at Nomura Research Institute Ltd.